Creating reports with a map data region

Data visualization is becoming increasingly important to the world of reporting. This is especially true in terms of sales being able to determine sales information based on geographical data at a glance.

SSRS provides an easy-to-use mapping tool, providing the ability to take your data and place it on a map. This gives quick, easy-to-understand visuals for your sales team to determine hot spots for sales or see what geographic areas need attention.

Of course, providing reports for the sales team, while the most common scenario, is not the only application for mapping. Imagine being able to plot the outbreak of flu on a map, or map the location of new drinking water wells, including their capacities, in desert locations.

Getting ready

In order to use a map, there must be some data that a map can recognize as an entity within a map. State, Country, City, and Zip Code are examples of fields that a map control can understand and thus be able to place data...